Triton hydrogen fuel two-wheelers unlikely to come cheap in India

American carmaker and Tesla rival Triton is set to roll out two-wheelers and three-wheelers from India, and given its portfolio of premium cars, its two-wheelers may be out of reach of the common man.

Since it may not be playing the volume game as far as two-wheelers go, Triton would be among companies in the high-end two-wheeler segment, where the competition is intense but profits may not be too attractive.

Most of the premium two-wheeler makers manufacture motorcycles and if Triton gets only into high-end scooters (as in the photo below), it could probably find just a few takers.

Triton hydrogen scooter.

Also in the case of three-wheelers, if pricing is on the higher side, it may not go down well with prospective buyers. 

Triton has chosen Bhuj in Rajasthan to set up its manufacturing unit for two-wheelers but it has not given any timeline as to when they would roll out.

Triton founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Himangshu Patel recently made an announcement in this regard.

He said, “We would set up a two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturing unit very soon. Our priority is to drive in new-age mobility. So, hydrogen fuel vehicles are the natural advancements for us.”

According to him, Triton is currently in the production phase of its two and three wheelers.

The hydrogen-powered vehicles, which would be manufactured by the company, are being developed at its research and development (R&D) centre in Anand, Gujarat.

This unit could soon become Triton’s global R&D centre. It is also believed that Triton could fast-track its truck production from this manufacturing facility.

However, the company is mum on rolling out its car or SUV from here in the near future.

In the international market, Triton manufactures electric trucks, cars and special purpose vehicles.

The Bhuj factory, from where its two-wheelers would roll out, would be nearly 600 acres. After completion, the plant would have an area of three million square feet.

Earlier, Triton was planning to set up its factory in Hyderabad. It showcased its eight-seater H electric SUV last year when it had unveiled its India plan.

It had earlier announced that from Hyderabad, it would set up a manufacturing facility to make electric trucks, cars and SUVs that would cater to the Southeast Asian market.

Why hydrogen fuel?

One of the advantages of hydrogen fuel is that hydrogen-powered vehicles will take much less time to charge. Probably, these two-wheelers could charge in just five to 10 minutes.

They also offer higher ranges compared to electric vehicles. But one disadvantage is that the hydrogen-powered vehicle infrastructure is still nascent in the country.

Initially, you may be able to charge hydrogen-powered vehicles only at exclusive locations in certain Metro cities.

But for the infrastructure to develop to an adequate level across India, it may take at least five years. This may also deter buyers, especially of two and three wheelers.

Conclusion

So, US-based Triton’s two and three wheelers from India — that would be powered by hydrogen — may have certain advantages like range and less charging time, but they may not come cheap and the infrastructure for hydrogen-powered vehicles may be grossly inadequate for at least half a decade.